Types of Flanges Used in Oil & Gas for High Temperature and Pressure Applications

The oil and gas industry uses flanges in various applications. They connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other types of equipment required to maintain a functioning pipework system. High temperatures and high pressure often expose these flanges to these harsh conditions. Our Western Texas team shares the various types of pipe flanges that operators use in today’s gas and oil industry for high pressure and high-temperature applications.

The 7 Common Flange Types

The three primary flange components are the gasket, bolts, and the flange itself. They are classified based on connection type as well as face. The face includes flat, raised, and ring-type joint facings. Seven flange types are the most used within the gas and oil industry.

They include:

1. Weld Neck

The weld neck flange is also commonly known as the high-hub or tapered hub flange. They have a neck that can move the pipe tension. This makes it possible to reduce the pressure that gathers in the flange’s bottom. The weld neck flange variety is helpful in applications that operate under both high and low temperatures. They can also stand up to high-pressure environments.

2. Slip-On

Slip-on flanges look like a ring, placed over a pipe’s end. The face of the flange extends from the pipe’s end enough to apply a welded bead to its interior diameter. They are known as slip-on flanges because they can slip over a pipe. These flanges are used most often in applications under low pressure. Fluid pipelines use these flanges.

3. Socket Weld

A socket weld flange is recognizable because it is only connected on the outside by way of a single fillet-type weld. Their primary use is in small-bore lines, and they are not advised for use in critical services.

4. Blind

Blind flanges are manufactured without a bore. They are used to blank off pipe ends, pressure vessel openings, and valves. They are ideal for use in both high-pressure and high temperatures applications.

5. Threaded

Threaded flanges look almost the same as the slip-on variety. The difference is that they have been bored out to match a specific type of pipe’s diameter. A benefit of these flanges is that they can be installed without welding and work under high pressure.

6. Lap Joint

Lap joint flanges are used with pipes made with expensive materials. Also used with stub ends, these flanges are used in low-pressure applications that are not critical.

7. Long Neck Weld

Long neck weld flanges are among the most common flanges used in high-temperature and high-pressure applications. The long neck guides the pipe into the flange, offering additional reinforcement. Typical uses include gas sources and water mains pumped into more extensive piping networks.

A Look at the Common Materials Used to Manufacture Flanges

Flange manufacturers utilize several different materials. The selected material depends on the type of piping and the requirements dictated by the application. Key factors that determine the selection of materials include flow pressure, the economy, and corrosion caused by the environment. The most common flange materials include:

Alloy Steel

When alloyed with additional elements, this steel enhances or changes its properties, and it is called alloy steel. Common types include molybdenum, chromium, vanadium, nickel, and manganese.

Carbon Steel

This type of steel is alloyed with carbon, thus increasing its hardness/strength.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is created by alloying steel with chromium in an amount that exceeds 10 percent.

Aluminum

Aluminum is known for its malleability, low density, and ductility. It is also known for its corrosion resistance compared to carbon and alloy steel.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is created by alloying iron with caron, silicon, and several other alloy types.

Speak With the Industry’s Leading Forged Flanges Manufacturer

Contact Western of Texas today at (877) 246-2429 to get a consultation with our sales team. We are the leading flange manufacturers and have a strong reputation for providing a superior level of service to our customers. You can also see our brochure to learn more about slip-on flanges and our manufacturing capabilities.